TOTE to Convert Two Engines to LNG Propulsion

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Thursday November 9, 2017

MAN Diesel & Turbo SE (MAN) today announced that TOTE Maritime Alaska (TOTE) has contracted MAN PrimeServ to convert the vessels North Star and Midnight Sun to dual-fuel operation on liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The Ro-Ro ships are currently both powered by 4 MAN 58/64 engines, and are set to be retrofitted to MAN 58/64 retrofit units.

"We have been investigating and testing many options for shifting the fleet to LNG. The conversion of the existing engines is the most reliable and beneficial solution," said Peter Keller, Executive Vice President of TOTE Inc.

"This innovative solution that has been developed in partnership with MAN, will be an important milestone for the industry as we all prepare for the IMO sulfur cap in 2020."

The contract covers the design, development and testing of a "first-of-its-kind" dual-fuel kit, which MAN says will serve as the foundation for the largest LNG conversion in North America.

"To meet TOTE’s requirements, we have developed a solution based on our well-proven 51/60DF retrofit. Accordingly, the engineering approach to the 58/64 retrofit is very familiar to us, and this project represents a straightforward conversion procedure," said Dr. Thomas Spindler, Head of Upgrades & Retrofits at MAN PrimeServ Augsburg.

"The investment will be of huge benefit to the customer on several fronts: not only will the retrofitted engines meet all new emission standards; the new components they receive during conversion will significantly extend their working life."